Eligibility for free or reduced-price meals is
determined by your Household Size and Income Level

Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the poverty level are eligible for free meals. Those with incomes between 130 percent and 185 percent of the poverty level are eligible for reduced price meals, for which students can be charged no more than 40 cents. For the period of July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018, an annual income of $31,980 for a family of four, for example, is considered 130 percent of the poverty level; $45,510 is considered 185 percent. For more information on how to apply for free or reduced price school lunch meals click here.

Do you receive unemployment benefits?

If you are eligible for unemployment benefits, you may also be eligible for free or reduced price school meals.

With the cooperation of the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration, the USDA is reaching out to households affected by current economic conditions. State Workforce Agency Administrators have been asked to inform applicants for unemployment benefits about the availability of free and reduced price school meals through the National School Lunch Program.

Please contact your local school for additional information about how you may qualify.